DETAILED PROJECT REPORT

Sustainable agriculture development through expansion,

enhancement and modelling in the state of Mizoram

Submitted by:
Department of Agriculture
Government of Mizoram

Technical support:
Deutsche GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GmbH

February, 2016

For
NATIONAL ADAPTATION FUND FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
(NAFCC)

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Contents
Project Summary ......................................................................................................... 3
1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................ 4
1.1Project Background and Context: ................................................................... 4
1.2 Project Objectives: ......................................................................................... 10
1.3 Details of Project Executing Entity: .............................................................. 10
1.4Major Project Components and Financing .................................................. 13
1.5 Projected Calendar: ....................................................................................... 15
2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION ............................................................................. 15
3.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT ........................................................... 35

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Project Summary

Title of Project:

Sustainable agriculture development through expansion, enhancement and

modelling in the state of Mizoram

Project Objectives: To augment the livelihood of rural communities through

enhancing resilience of agriculture covering crops, livestock and fisheries to
climatic variability and climate change through development and application of
improved production and risk management technologies

Project Sector: Agriculture

Name of Executing Entity: Department of Agriculture(Crop Husbandry)

Beneficiaries:Rural communities of Mizoram(30% to 50% of the overall

beneficiary under the project would be women)

Project Duration:Three years

Start Date: April 2016

End Date:March 2019

Amount of Financing Requested (INR): 10.95 Crores

Project Location
State:Mizoram
District:4 districts namely, Mamit, Aizawl, Kolasib and Serchhip

Contact Details of Nodal Officer of the Executing Entity:

Dr.C.Lalzarliana
Director of Agriculture (Crop Husbandry)
Government of Mizoram
Mizoram : Aizawl. Pin 796001
Phone : 0389- 2322437 (O)
0389 – 2322511 (F)
Email: agrimizoram@gmail.com
Mob: 09436142745

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 1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND

1.1 Project Background and Context:

a) Provide brief information on the problem the proposed project/programme is aiming

to solve

Economy of Mizoram (Map of state is at Fig.1) is predominantly agrarian, with more

than 60% of the total work force engaged either directly or indirectly in agriculture.
However, agriculture still remains under- developed and the primitive method of jhum
(shifting cultivation) predominates. Both production and productivity are relatively low.
Majority of the land falls under class-II to class-IV category of land use capability,
requiring appropriate soil management
practices for intensive crop production
(Mizoram SAPCC 2012-17).

Mizoram has a varied blend of

climatic conditions ranging from tropical,
sub-tropical to temperate conditions.
State has high mean annual rainfall of
2500 mm and high relative humidity upto
90%. There is plenty of rainfall in a
concentrated period of six months, leaving
rest of the months relatively dry and water-
scarce (Mizoram SAPCC 2012-17).
Mizoram has primarily sand-loamy and
clay-loamy soil rich in organic carbon and
moderately rich in available potash. Due
to high rainfall during May to September,
soil is acidic ranging from 4.5-5.6 pH.The
fertility of soils is affected by the cultivation
Figure 1: Map of Mizoram practices employed by the people, soil
erosion, landslides associated with high intensity rainfall and
hailstorm. The temperature during summer season varies from 20°C to 34°C and
during the winter season varies from 8°C to 17°C. In Mizoram, due to limited availability
of irrigation, agriculture is entirely dependent on the rainwater from the driving
monsoon downpours. The unfavourable physical conditions do not facilitate irrigated
crop production, leading to only 5% of the total area under cultivation and 11% of the
total cultivated area under irrigation. The principal crop is Paddy and others are Maize,
Cucumber, Beans, Arum, Ginger Mustard sesame, Cotton etc. Paddy continues to
remain the chief food crop and the staple food of the Mizos. It occupies almost 50% of
the total cropped area and more than 88% of the total area under food grains. In spite
of the fact that the rice being the most important crop occupying the largest share in
area and production, Mizoram is still not self sufficient in rice production. Moreover
there was decline of production in last few years. The traditional method of Paddy
cultivation in the hill slopes, commonly known as Jhuming, has been practiced from

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 the time immemorial in Mizoram. The cultivation of jhum paddy is for a period of one
year only. After harvest in the month of November- December, the jhum is left
uncultivated and shift to another virgin forest area for the next jhum practice. Impact of
increased pressure on land, particularly forest land led to shrinkage of 10 years Jhum
cycle to 4-5 year cycle lowering productivity and production thus rendering Jhum
practice uneconomical and environmentallyunfriendly (Infrastructure pressure on the
state is at Fig.2). Also pressure on land has made Jhum size small and shrinkage of
Jhum cycle cause low productivity, resulting in poor income for the farmers. Thus the
continuous exposure of land due to short jhumming cycle to climate variability’s like
high intensity rainfall, cyclonic winds lead to massive landslides and erosion leaving
the land barren and unfertile overtime, increasing the area under land degradation
(Mizoram SAPCC 2012-17).Mizoram has experienced land degradation at an alarming
rate owing to slash-and-burn system of cultivation totaling to 20.64% of the state
(Mizoram Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC, 2013)).

Thus, the proposed project on “Sustainable Agriculture Development through

Expansion, Enhancement and Modelling” aims to make agriculture more productive,
environment friendly and sustainable, remunerative at the same time water and input
use-efficient, and climate resilient by promoting location specific integrated/composite
farming systems with soil and moisture conservation and management practices. The
project also aims to achieve “Jhum optimisation” through catchment area protection,
soil conservation and management. With mainstreaming of climate resilient and
innovative technologies and practices for the state under the project, this initiative is
very much in line with the adaptation
strategies envisaged under the State Action
Plan on Climate (SAPCC) as well as aligned
to multiple areas of the National Mission for
Sustainable Agriculture and National Water
Mission. The project with duration of three-
years is proposed to be implemented in 4
districts of the state (highly vulnerable due to
agriculture). The proposed budgetary outlay
of the project is INR 10.95 crores.

b) Outline the economic, social

development and climate change in line
with the State Action plan on Climate
Change and relevant Missions under
National Action Plan on Climate Change

Figure 2: Infrastructure pressure on the

The proposed project activities are in
state
line with the interventions of the National Mission on Sustainable
Agriculture (NMSA) under National Action Plan on Climate Change. NMSA aims to
make Indian agriculture more resilient to climate change through developing new
varieties of thermal resistant crops, new credit and insurance mechanisms and

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improving productivity of rain-fed agriculture. The proposed activity is also highlighted
under the Agriculture Chapter of the State Action Plan on Climate Change.

The project proposes for sustainable agriculture practices through adoption of

practices such as soil and water conservation; water conservation through efficient and
assured irrigation practices; developing climate resilient cropping pattern; and
knowledge & experience dissemination to wider population.

c) Climate vulnerability analysis

As per Government of India’s report titled ‘Climate Change and India: A 4x4
Assessment-A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s’, the surface air temperature
and precipitation of the north eastern region is projected to rise from 1.8oC to 2.1oC
and 0.3 - 3% respectively in the 2030s with respect to the 1970s. Most affected crops
of the region are Rice and Maize. Impact on rain-fed rice is likely to be in the range of
–35% to 5%, whereas Maize yield is likely to be reduced by about 40%.

Due to its geo-climatic condition, the entire state is one of the most hazard
prone states in the country. Cyclonic storms, cloudbursts, hailstorms and landslides
annually sweep the state. To make matters worse, the state falls under seismic zone
V, and thus liable to be hit by strong earthquakes. Small tremors are felt every now
and then in and around the state. The state of Mizoram enjoys a typical climate with
variations ranging from sub-tropical to temperate conditions in hilly areas. The quick
changes in topography of Mizoram consequences a significant climate changes within
a short distance.

Although the State is enjoying abundance of rainfall during monsoon period,

the dry spell during non-monsoon period is really hard for the people. Due to the
steepness of the hillsides, underground water retention is minimal, causing perennial
water sources to dry up during this period(Ground water information booklet, Mizoram
2013). This had been aggravated by the tradition custom of jhum cultivation. The habit
of felling trees, foliage of forests and burning them really destroy natural vegetation,
thus causing ecological imbalances. Moreover, this usually led to unwanted spread of
fire to forests.

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 Pattern of rainfall in Mizoram during the past 20
years i.e., from 1986 to 2005 follows the usual expected
trend in which maximum downpour occurred during the
monsoon seasons and declines during the rest of the
seasons. However, when analyzed on a yearly basis the
trend shows a gradual decline and then a sudden increase
from 1990 to 1995. In fact, during the span of the 20 years
study period, 1995 recorded the highest rainfall of 3185.98
mm whereas 1994 had the lowest rainfall with a measure of
2278.29 mm only. The monthly average rainfall during
1996-2005 when compared to the previous decade of 1986-
1995 shows a gradual increase during the month of March,
May, September and then a remarkable increase
Figure 3: Hazard mapping of the state
during the month of July, with one-day maximum
peaks. Under the action of heavy rain, flash floods
may be caused resulting in bank erosion and some local damage (Hazard mapping of
the state is at Fig.3). The rainfall is projected to increase with some districts expected
to experience nearly 25% increase in rainfall. The number of yearly extreme rainfall
events is expected to go up significantly (about 26%). In other words, the frequency of
floods is expected to increase significantly in the NER. Projections of the (Hadley
Centre Coupled Model, version 3)are quite similar to those of other Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) models which provide some confidence in our
projections for the northeast India. However, it is cautioned that the spatial pattern of
climate projections could differ for different Global Climate Model (GCM)(State remote
sensing center report, Mizoram).

The average monthly maximum temperature taken during the period of 1996-2005
shows an increase over the previous decade of 1986- 1995, during the early part
(January-February) as well as later part (November-December) of the years. There is
increase in the average maximum temperature during 1996-2005 by +0.28°C over the
decade of 1986-1995, which denotes a trend in increase in temperature during the last
decade. The same increase is also reflected in the average minimum temperature
recorded for the decade of 1996-2005 which is +0.30°C, much higher than that
recorded for the previous decade of 1986- 1995. The rate of increase is clearly
reflected when the overall monthly average temperature recorded for both decades
shows an increase of +0.29°C (Chaturvedi et al., 2012). The overall trend in
temperature also shows a gradual increase during the 1996-2005 decade. The
increase in temperature as per the data indicates that there might be further rise in the
heat wave in the years to come.The temperature is projected to go up by about 1.7°C
in almost all the districts of northeast. It is projected to go up by more than 2°C in some
districts (State remote sensing center report, Mizoram).

Humidity is another climatic element that has close relation to temperature and
rainfall and also plays a key role in affecting the climate of a region. Average data on
humidity for 20 years was collected and analyzed for a period of 5 years each. The
results studied for each period clearly indicated that there was a gradual and

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progressive increase in humidity during the entire span of 20 years.Records of flood
incidents in the State from 2008 to 2011, shows that there has been increasing incident
in villages leading to crop damage and erosion of cropland lying in the fluvial flood
plains (DM & R Dept.)

As evidence from the earlier records, Mizoram state is vulnerable to impact of

tropical cyclone, whichdevelops in North Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal), and the
cyclones of the Post Monsoon season (October to December) are more intense than
those of Pre-Monsoon season (April & May). Cyclones are associated with strong
winds, torrential rains and storm. The impact has often led to loss of properties and
even lives. The impact of cyclone has often led to damages to houses, power line cut-
off, blockage of road, damages to crops and plantations, loss of live stocks, etc.
Generally these winds come from the north western part of the state as the winds
originate from the Bay of Bengal. According to the statistical reports on Vulnerability
Analysis of Mizoram, out of the fifty two villages/wards, eleven (21.15%) villages/wards
are classified under high vulnerable class, eighteen (34.62%) villages/wards under
medium vulnerability class and twenty three (44.23%) villages/wards under low
vulnerable class (State Remote Sensing Centre, Mizoram).

d) Project Location details – villages, block/ mandal, district

The population of Mizoram is 0.89 million

according to 2001 census enhanced to 1.091
million as per census, 2011 and is scattered over
8 districts, 26 blocks and 830 villages (2011
census).The project is proposed to be
implemented in 4 districts of the state namely,
Mamit, Aizawl, Kolasib and Serchhip (Figure 4).
Districts have been selected based of their
vulnerability to climate change. Ravindranath
et al (2010) made a district-wise assessment
of all districts in NER including those in
Mizoram based on their projected increases
in temperature (2021- Figure 4: Districts for project
implementation, Mizoram
50) and change in their total rainfall (2021-50). According to the assessment
Aizawl, Mamit and Kolasib are projected to have an increase in temperature to
the tune of 1.7-1.8(ºC) between 2021-50. Similarly Serchhip and Kolasib are
projected to be most vulnerable in terms of increase in precipitation due to
Climate Change. Selection of Villages and the beneficiary households under
the project would be on the basis of the following:
 Jhum area in the village is high
 Low productivity of agriculture.
 Jhum cycle is less than 8 years
 Occurrence of frequent flash floods

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  Access to potable water is low
 Access to irrigation is low, less than 30% of the total cropped area
 Food production deficit
 High incidences of pests and diseases in crops reported
 Biodiversity in forests is poor
 Significant population has kutcha roofs on their houses
 Livelihood diversification of the poor households is less than or equal to
two

Within the villages, criteria for selecting beneficiary households would be:
 Assessment of household incomes i.e BPL etc
 Source of income
 Food self sufficiency
 Jhuming households

The vulnerable households in a village would be identified in consultation

with the Village Councils which are the elected form of village institution in
Mizoram comparable to Gram Panchayat. This would be done at the time of
execution of Component 1 i.e. “Finalizing household level adaptation interventions:
Baseline Households Survey, Finalization and communication of adaptation
interventions for each target community and household”.

Project also proposed to set up Custom Hiring Centers which will be established in
3 districts. Districts for setting up Custom Hiring Centers would be selected based on
criteria such as high vulnerability of the population of selected village, availability of
land, acceptance and application of centers of the local population etc.

The selected districtsfor project implementation are predominantly agrarian. More

than 70 per cent of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.About
95% of current Mizoram population is of diverse tribal origins that settled in the state,
mostly from Southeast Asia. This is the highest concentration of tribal people among
all states of India. The sex ratio of the state is 976 females per thousand males, higher
than the national ratio 940. The density of population is 52 persons per square
kilometer (2011 census). Mizoram is a highly literate agrarian economy, but suffers
from jhum or shifting cultivation and resultant environmental degradation and poor crop
yields. The state's gross state domestic product for 2012 was estimated at INR 6991
crore (US$1.0 billion) (Economic Survey, Mizoram 2012-13). About 20% of Mizoram's
population lives below poverty line, with 35% rural poverty. The state is a growing
transit point for trade with Myanmar and Bangladesh (Mizoram SAPCC 2012-17). It
has been estimated that the project will cover approximately, 13,000 beneficiaries in 4
districts. Details of the beneficiaries are as follows:

Project activities No of beneficiaries

Tank Renovation & Restoration 700
Construction of Rain Water Harvesting Tank 170
System of Rice Intensification 500
Directed seeded rice cultivation 500

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 Assistance For Improved cultivation on hill 3000
slope
Adoption of Integrated Pest Management for 2600
improving crop yields. Preparedness to tackle
pests and disease outbreak and capacity
building
Farmers’ Field School 400
Construction of Hill Slope Terrace for soil and 100
moisture in cultivation of crops
On farm development: Land levelling, bundling, 5000
reshaping etc.
Total 12970

1.2 Project Objective and Activities:

Theoverall objective of the project is to augment the livelihood of rural communities

through enhancing resilience of agriculture covering crops, livestock and fisheries to
climatic variability and climate change through development and application of
improved production and risk management technologies. This includes activities such
as:
 To demonstrate site-specific technology packages on farmers’ fields for
adapting to current climate risks
 Selection of promising crop genotypes with greater tolerance to climatic stress
 Promotion of best practices for climate resilience through demonstrationin
three agro climatic zones
 Strengthening of infrastructure at KrishiVigyanKendras (KVKs) for climatic
change research activities
 Capacity building & training (Training of staff, field functionaries &farmers)

1.3Details of Project Executing Entity:

a) Name, Registration No. & Date, Registered Address, Project Office Address

Dr. C. Lalzarliana
Director of Agriculture (Crop Husbandry)
Government of Mizoram
Aizawl- 796001
Phone: 0389- 2322437 (O), 0389 – 2322511 (F)
Email: agrimizoram@gmail.com
Mobile: 09436142745
Registration No. and Date: Department of Agriculture was established as a full-
fledged entity in 1992.

b) Available technical manpower for the proposed project implementation:

Department of Agriculture (Crop Husbandry), Government of Mizoram

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 S. No. Name & Address Specialization
Designation
i. Dr. C. Lalzarliana Department of Agriculture (Crop
Director Husbandry)
(Lead) Government of Mizoram
Aizawl- 796001
Phone : 0389- 2322437 (O), 0389 – Policy planning,
2322511 (F) Agricultural extension
Email : agrimizoram@gmail.com and Project
Mobile: 09436142745 implementation
ii. Mr. PradipChhetri, Department of Agriculture (Crop
Agricultural Husbandry)
Extension Officer Government of Mizoram Natural resource
Aizawl- 796001 management, project
Email: cpradip1962@gmail.com planning and
Mob: 9862567891 implementation

Department of Agriculture (Research and Education), Government of Mizoram

S. No. Name & Address Specialization

Designation
i. Mr. C.Lalniliana Department of Agriculture (Research and
Director Education)
Government of Mizoram Agriculture
Aizawl- 796001 Research

Department of Environment and Forest, Government of Mizoram

S. No. Name & Address Specialization

Designation
i. Mr.Tsewang Mathematics,
Gyaltson, Statistics, Natural
Nodal Officer for PCCF Office Tuikhuahtlang, Resource
Climate Change Aizawl- 796001 assessment

c) Three largest Climate Change Adaptation Projects handled (if already implemented)

Project Objectives Amount Funding Geographi Implementation Period

Sanction Agency cal & Outcome
ed Coverage
(crores)
State is implementing Out scaling of 6.38 MoA Entire  Climate Resilient
interventions proposed climate Mizoram agricultural practices
under National Mission adaptation  Strategic Irrigation
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for Sustainable strategies  Agro-met advisories
Agriculture dissemination

d) Three largest community based NRM based projects handled by the consortium

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

This project aims at promoting INM through judicious use of fertilizers including micro-
fertilizers, strengthening soil testing facilities and upgrade skill & knowledge of Soil
Testing Laboratory staffs/Extension workers and farmers etc. This project is being
implemented in Aizawl, Mamit, Kolasib, Champai, Luglei, Saiha and Lawntlai districts.

Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms

This programme aims to provide capacity building support in extension management

related areas; developing and promoting application of management tools for
improving the effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Services. In order to implement
the programme, Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA), autonomous
institutions have been set up at districts to ensure delivery of extension services to
farmers. This programme during first phase was implemented in 4 districts of Mizoram
namely, Aizawl, Champai, Kolasib&Lunglei. This was then extended to other 4 districts
namely, Lawngtlai, Mamit, Saiha and Serchhip.

e) Three largest Climate Change Adaptation / NRM projects of State / Central

Government

RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana (RKVY)

This scheme aims to stimulate state for increasing public investment in agriculture and
allied sectors, preparation of agricultural maps, reduce the yield map in important
crops, enhance production, planning & implementation of agriculture and allied sector
schemes and maximize farmer’s income. This scheme covers the entire state.

Watershed Development Programme in Shifting Cultivation Area

This programme is a Special Assistance Programme for the benefits of Jhumia families
in N.E. States. The activities include treatment of arable, non-arable land, drainage
line, creation of water bodies, development of agriculture/horticulture crops etc.

f) Comment of availability of suitable infrastructure for implementation proposed

projects (vehicles, computers, required software/ tools, etc.)

Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Mizoram has manpower network of Agricultural

Officers (AO) and Agricultural Extension Officers (AEO) with rich experience and
capacities to develop and implement adaptation options specific to the study locations.

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 g) Whether Executing Entity (EE) was blacklisted, barred from implementation of projects,
faced any charges / legal cases related to mismanagement of project and funds.
(Please list any such incidences and reasons):

No
1.4 Major Project Components and Financing:

No. Project/Programme Expected Concrete Expected Outcomes Amount

Components Outputs (Rs.)
1. Finalizing household  Understanding and analysis  Updating climatic 10,00,000
level of Households’ perceptions vulnerability and
adaptationinterventions on climate change impacts, scenarios of the
(Baseline existing coping/adaptation targeted regions
HouseholdsSurvey, strategies and capacities to  Stakeholders aware
Finalizationand adapt to different climate of the climate change
communication of change scenarios impacts in the farm
adaptationinterventions  Accordingly, farm households
foreach targetcommunity households would be identified;
andhousehold) identified  Finalized adaptation
 Identifying concrete strategies suitable to
adaptation interventions the target locations
based on area specific and farm household
vulnerabilities typologies
2. Climate Change Modeling  Establishment of Automatic  Ensure weather 71,50,000
and Networking, Training Weather Station forecast, so that
& Capacity building,  Seasonal climate forecast suitable adaptation
Awareness provided for the target measures on water
villages and food could be
 On farm interventions like taken up
real time pest surveillance,  Farmers adjust their
rain water management, farm planning and
demonstration on suitable operational decisions
cropping system, promotion based on the climate
of integrated farming system forecast
etc.  Pilot projects for
 Trainings and planting climate
demonstrations on various resilient crop varieties
aspects of climate change in three agro-climatic
adaptation in agriculture zones, namely, Humid
based on research (e.g Mild Tropical Zone,
NICRA, CRIDA etc) Humid Sub Tropical
findings/experiences. Hill Zone and Humid
 Research/model/pilot Temperate Sub-
projects for different agro Alpine Zone
climatic conditions on  Farmers would be
climate change adaptation trained on
and mitigation comprehensive field
evaluation of new and
emerging approaches

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 of paddy cultivation
like aerobic rice and
SRI for their
contribution to
increase water use
efficiency.
 Installation of the
state-of-the-art
equipment like flux
towers for
measurement of
greenhouse gases in
large field areas to
understand the
impact of
management
practices and
contribute data on
emissions as national
responsibility.
3. Soil Conservation for  Rice area expansion on hill  Weaning away the 3,38,00,000
improvement of soil and slope destructive and
water regime in the hill  Construction of terraces unprofitable shifting
area  Reduction in Jhum areas cultivation practices
 Increase in crop that hasten land
productivity by 10% degradation in the
through in-situ moisture wake of rainfall
conservation farm variabilities
development  Economic and
efficient utilization of
irrigation water in rice,
pulses, cash crops
etc. through in situ
moisture conservation
4. Water Harvesting and  Restoration/Renovation of  Tanks can fulfil the 2,75,00,000
Management small household/ water demand
community tanks  Farmers could also
 Construction of Rain apply fish rearing for
Water Harvesting Tank villagers and provide
them additional
income
5. Enhancement of Crop  Promotion of direct  Innovative best 2,77,00,000
Production & Productivity seeded rice cultivation practices for rice
(Mainstreaming innovative under rain fed condition in plantation would be
agricultural best practices upland and lowlands adopted in the wake
related to climate change  Increasing rice production of climate change
adaptation in through adoption of  Establishing a
strategies/policies/projects practices such as System Farmers Field
like SRI, Improved Jhum, for Rice Intensification School will lead to
Direct Seeded Rice  Improved cultivation of the sustainability of
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 cultivation) certified crops on hill slope the project
 Establishing farmers’ field  Enhance crop
school through which productivity resistant
5500 farmers would be to pest and disease
trained
 Preparedness to tackle
pests and disease
outbreak and capacity
building through adopting
Integrated Pest
Management measures
for improving crop yields
6. Farm Mechanization Custom Hiring Centers (CHC) Improve mechanization 28,50,000
would be set up so that in places with low farm
equipment could be made power availability, to
available to farmers ensure sustainable crop
production
7. Project management cost of executing entity and Man power 63,50,000
8. Total Project Cost 10,63,50,000
9. Project Cycle Management Fee charged by the 31,90,500
Implementing Entity(3% of Total Project cost)
10. Amount of Financing Requested 10,95,40,500

1.5 Projected Calendar:

Milestones Expected Dates

Start of Project Implementation April 2016
Mid-term Review (if planned) October 2018
Terminal Evaluation January 2019
Project Closing March 2019

2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

i. What is the business-as-usual development for the targeted sector?

State has a rich experience in implementing activities related to natural resource

management. However, the farming community of state does not haveenough
technical capacity to implement climate resilient practices. Further, financial resources
are also lacking. The project therefore aims to improve the adaptive capacity of small
holder farmers in Mizoram by delivering a combination of climate resilient farming
system interventions and enhance their capacity to ensure sustainability of the project.
The major activities of the project will enhance the adaptation capacity of agriculture
sector.

a) Component-wise details and justification of the project components

Major-activity/ sub-activity Justification of the activity

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I.Finalizing householdlevel This activity would be first and foremost step
adaptationinterventions (Baseline towards initiation of the project activities. This
HouseholdsSurvey, Finalization and would help in identifying the vulnerability of the
communication of region and accordingly vulnerable households
adaptationinterventions foreach would be selected for implementation of the
targetcommunity andhousehold) project. This would also help in prioritization and
a) Understanding and analysis of finalization of adaptation activities targeting
Households’ perceptions on climate location and farm households.
change impacts, existing
coping/adaptation strategies and
capacities to adapt to different
climate change scenarios
b) Accordingly, farm households
would be identified
c) Identifying concrete adaptation
interventions based on area specific
vulnerabilities
II. Climate Change Modeling and Installation of Automatic Weather Station (AWS)
Networking Training &Capacity on a cluster basis and dissemination of crop-
building, Awareness weather advisory to farmers based on real time
a) Establishment of Automatic data, are the major components proposed. It is
Weather Stations for seasonal proposed to disseminate the advisories through
climate forecast for the target mobile with a tie-up with a suitable Technology
villages Service Provider (TSP). For this purpose, the
b) Trainings and demonstrations on information generated from the AWS from the
various aspects of climate change project area will be linked to the TSP for agro
adaptation in agriculture based on advisory services. Accordingly, farmers will be
research (e.g NICRA, CRIDA etc) able to take suitable decision with regard to input
findings/experiences. planning and farm management in the wake of
c) Research/model/pilot projects for changing climate. From climate change
different agro climatic conditions ( a. adaptation point, it will be one of the inputs to
Humid Mild Tropical Zone, b. Humid cope with the situation and remain better
Sub Tropical Hill Zone. c. Humid prepared using the tested technologies for
Temperate Sub-Alpine Zone) on adaptation available on ground. It is also
climate change adaptation and proposed to undertake crop-water budgeting with
mitigation an objective to utilize the available water in the
watershed area most judiciously. Suitable
equipments like run-off measurement device,
sediment observatory etc. will be installed for this
purpose.

The project will have a strong knowledge

management system which would enable
documentation and large scale dissemination of
knowledge and lessons learned from the project
to different stakeholders, including policy makers

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II. Soil Conservation for improvement of
soil and water regime in the hill area
a) Soil and water conservation on
hillslope: One of the primary
objectives is to provide sustainable water for sustenance and soil is an essential
income to farming families by
weaning away the destructive and
unprofitable shifting cultivation
practices. The total Jhum area and
the total number of Jhumia families
in Mizoram during 2014-15 are
20,064 hectare and 49,198 nos.
respectively.
b) On Farm Development (In Situ
Moisture Conservation)
and planners. Based on the project learning,
operational manual, policy briefs, audio visual
materials, etc. will be developed for knowledge
dissemination.
Project will organize seminars, interactive
workshops, exposure visits, etc. for cross
learning and information dissemination. The
operational manual will be developed both in
English and local language with illustrations so
that it can be used as training instrument to train
different stakeholders. Policy brief prepared as
part of the knowledge management system will
help policy makers to be sensitive to climate
change adaptation in rainfed areas on watershed
basis and help in mainstreaming such adaptation
initiatives in natural resource management
projects/programmes. This output will extend
over the life time of the project and will highlight
the impact of climate change on natural
resources and agricultural development.
Successful agriculture depends on fertile soil and
clean water, which are renewable resources in
natural systems and, when managed properly.
Most terrestrial life needs a continual source of
medium for plant growth in most terrestrial
ecosystems, providing nutrients, water, physical
support, and biological interactions with
roots. Soil and water are closely linked in nature,
impacting each other through the hydrologic,
geo-chemical and energy cycles. In most cases,
an impact on the soil system has a direct impact
on water resources.
With increase in the one-day maximum rainfall in
terms of intensity and the state being prone to
cyclonic storms, slopes are prone to high levels
of soil erosion and resultant land degradation.
Terraces could considerably reduce soil loss due
to water erosion if they are well planned, correctly
constructed and properly maintained. There are
many examples showing that terraces have to be
maintained to prevent processes leading to land
degradation such as excessive soil erosion, gully
formation and landsliding. There is a large variety
17

III. Water Harvesting and Management
a) Restoration/Renovation of small
tank
b) ‘Water Harvesting’ systems in each
of the identified clusters, using the
technology developed by the
research institutions in the region.
of terrace types, each adapted to certain
landscapes with various slopes gradients, but all
terraces can be divided in three groups: bench
terraces, contour terraces and parallel terraces.
All of these three terrace types could be effective
regarding soil and water conservation; there is no
such thing as the best terrace type, because it all
depends on local conditions. The most important
aspect of terracing is that it has to be combined
with additional soil conservation practices, of
which the most important one is the maintenance
of a permanent soil cover. This latter is specially
needed on the foot slope of the terrace, because
terraces themselves could be easily eroded and
they generally require a lot of maintenance and
repair. Other disadvantages are the disturbance
of the soil strata during construction,
considerable decline in soil fertility in the first
several years and considerable soil loss during
construction.
A very important point regarding terraces or any
soil and water conservation practice is that most
farmers are concerned with production than with
conservation. Therefore, the challenge is to
develop conservation practices that are also
productive is important looking at the increasing
climate variability. The ancient farming
techniques such as terracing may provide a good
basis for that, because far too often attempts
have been made to modernize or improve
farming practices without looking at existing well
established practices first (Mountjoy and
Gliessman, 1988). It has been shown by many
researchers that terraces could provide a basis
for good farming that aims to keep fertile soil
resources in place and in a good productive state
adapting to rainfall and cyclonic fluxes
There is a likelihood of more water scarcity and
incidence of drought in the coming decades apart
from delay in onset of monsoon most of the time
(current monsoon of 2014 is the best example).
This will significantly reduce crop production and
productivity, affect household food security and
increase poverty. Lowering of water table and
reduction of vegetation cover during climate
18

IV. Enhancement of Crop Production
&Productivity:Mainstreaming
innovative agricultural best practices
related to climate change adaptation in
strategies/policies/projects like SRI,
Improved Jhum, Direct Seeded Rice
cultivation.
a) Promotion of Direct seeded rice
cultivation
b) SRI, System of Rice Intensification
c) Assistance for improved cultivation
on hill slope
stressed scenario is also observed. The eco-
system services will have severe constraints and
low or no return on agricultural investment with
large scale migration and over exploitation of
available resource base, leading to non-
recoverable resource depletion stage. Current
practice of over-dependence on water intensive
crops, methods of rain-fed farming will enhance
the vulnerability further. Adaptation to such
situation by the farming community, especially
small and marginal farmers is essential. In order
to improve the climate resilience and better
adaptation to the situation, the project looks at
improving soil and water regime through various
vegetative and mechanical measures. The
suggested measures, adhering to the technical
specifications, willminimize water stress situation,
enhance water availability in the watersheds and
make it climate resilient and adaptive to the
situation.
Activities proposed above will facilitate
improvement in soil and water regime, better crop
productivity and resultin increase offarmer’s
income, which is the main outcome envisaged.
Activities which envisage harvesting of run-off
water like farm pond, earthen embankment,
masonry check dam etc., would be beneficial for
providing life saving irrigation to crops during
critical periods. Small structures like recharge pit,
catch pit and well recharge pit would enable
recharging of ground water by catching rainwater.
Summer/deep ploughing would maintain the soil
moisture and prevent excess evaporation.
Efficiency is a very important factor of productivity
growth, especially in developing agricultural
economies, where farmers’ resources are
meagre. Production efficiency relates outputs
with inputs. It can be measured in terms of inputs
required to produce a given level of output, or it
can be assessed from the total output produced
from a given level of input in the backdrop of
changing climate. Output is a result not only of
the quantity of inputs used but also of the
efficiency in the use of these inputs as resources
are constrained. A firm producing on a certain
19
d) Farmers’ Field School production function may increase production by
e) Adoption of Integrated Pest improving the efficiency of use of the inputs
Management for improving crop without increasing the level of inputs; thereby
yields. shifting the production function upwards.

Climate change induced higher temperatures will

increase crops’ water requirements. Every 10°C
increase in mean temperature, results in 7%
decline in the yield of rice crop. Hence, there is a
need to develop water saving technologies in rice
that consumes more than 50% of the total
irrigation water in agriculture. System of Rice
Intensification (SRI) and Directed Seeded Rice
cultivation are one such water saving rice
production technologies. Experiments were
conducted at different locations in the state
including research farm of Directorate of Rice
Research (DRR), Hyderabad, during 2005-10 to
assess the potential of SRI in comparison to
normal transplanting/Standard Planting
(NTP/SP) under flooded condition. SRI recorded
higher grain yield (6 to 65% over NTP) at majority
of locations. SRI and Directed Seeded Rice
cultivation not only results in higher productivity,
the available nutrient status in soil also increases
marginally at the end of four seasons. There was
a reduction in the incidence of pests in SRI and
the relative abundance of plant parasitic
nematodes was low in SRI and Directed Seeded
Rice cultivation. About 31% and 37% saving in
irrigation water was observed during Kharif and
Rabi seasons, respectively in both methods of
SRI and Directed Seeded Rice cultivation. SRI
performed well and consistently reduced
requirement of inputs such as seed and water in
different soil conditions. SRI and Directed
Seeded Rice cultivation method, using less water
for rice production can help in overcoming water
shortage in future and it can also make water
available for growing other crops thus promoting
crop diversification.

In order to produce more, environmentally

friendly rice, socially beneficial rice is the main
focus of research in recent years. SRI system
which facilitates production of more rice with less

20

V. Farm Mechanization
a) Custom Hiring Centers (CHC)
quantity of inputs such as water, seed and
chemical fertilizers is one of the promising
approaches in this direction.
The practice of Jhumming is also still prevalent
among many farmers in the state and in spite of
the efforts given by the State government to bring
more areas under settled cultivation through
many interventions, as is evident from the Rice
production pattern during 2014-15, more than 50
% of the total Rice production is contributed from
Jhum areas. As such, it is proposed to incentivize
the farmers through Improved Jhum cultivation
wherein subsidy assistance on critical inputs like
improved seed, fertilizers, plant protection
chemicals, herbicides etc. will be provided.
Timely completion of agricultural operation has
shown significant benefits both on research farms
and farmers’ fields during rainfall variability. It is
often seen that the ideal conditions for an
agricultural operation such as sowing or
intercultural operation exists for a short period of
time. Due to increasing climate variability like
shifting in the onset of monsoon, change in the
intensity and duration of rainfall and cyclones,
hailstorms etc. timeliness of operations has
significance for increased survival, good crop
stand and sustained productivity of crops. Timely
harvest and adequate post harvest storage are
other aspects that reduce the extent of losses due
to variability in timing of rainfall, hail storm etc.
during harvest season. This can be done through
high capacity energy efficient farm machineryand
farming operation with high level of efficiency,
which utilizes the reduced time window due to
climate variability.
Although many efforts have gone in this direction
in the past, not much has been made in improving
the timeliness of agricultural operations in the
wake of climate change. This is mostly because
of the unaffordability of many machines by small
farmers and difficulties in maintenance and
repairs.
21
 This calls for sharing of the cost of implements by
innovative institutional arrangements. In the
recent past, custom hiring of agricultural
machineries is seen as an appropriate
institutional arrangement, which can promote
mechanization of agricultural operations on small
farms in the most cost efficient manner. This will
enable farmers to act on crop husbandry for
similar crops at the shortest possible time to avoid
uncertainties due to climate variability.

Through this project, it is proposed for the first

time to set up Custom Hiring Centersin 3 most
vulnerable sectors of the state due to agriculture
aspects. The focus of the programme is to
institutionalize mechanisms at the village level for
continued adoption of such practices in
sustainable manner.

b) Details on economic, social and environmental benefits project

Activiti Key Benefits (Direct)

es Social Economic Environmental
I-a,b,c  To give early warning Special attention to the  Critical assessment of
to the farming productivity of crops, different crops/zones in
community (10,000 livestock and fisheries the state for vulnerability
farmers) about the would be given as per to climatic stresses and
weather forecast and the climate change extreme events, in
impact of climate variability. particular, intra seasonal
change variability of rainfall
 To conserve natural
 Create awareness of resources through
10,000 farmers on the appropriate soil and
impact of climate moisture conservation
change and measures
adaptation
II-a,b At least 30% farmers Farmers get higher High degree of soil erosion
living in the villages production and control and good
directly benefited from productivity and interception of run-off water
soil and water cropping intensity is
conservation measures raised to 130%.
Encouraging improved
agronomic practices for
higher farm productivity,
improved soil treatment,

22
 increased water holding
capacity, judicious use
of chemicals/ energy
and enhanced soil
carbon storage

It is estimated that
adoption of SRI will
increase the rice yield
by approximately, 30%,
which enhances the
economy of farmersby 6
times.
III-a,b  To optimize utilization Drip irrigation will Higher water table positively
of water resources reduce the cost of impacting water quality,
through efficient water production as labor for decrease soil pollution.
management to expand weed control and
coverage for achieving reduce water
‘more crop per drop’; consumption
 Provision of domestic
water supply
IV- Reduced agriculture  To make agriculture Agro forestry also helps in
a,b,c,d, (production) threatens more productive, sequestering atmospheric
e food security in the sustainable, carbon dioxide and helps in
regioncovering remunerative and reducing emission and
approximately, 60% of climate resilient by global warming
the farmers promoting location
specific
Integrated/Composite
Farming Systems;
 Farmers get higher
production and
productivity
V-a To make available Offset the adverse High degree of soil erosion
various farm machinery / economies of scale due control and good
equipment to small and to high cost of individual interception of run-off water
marginal farmers ownership. This will
reduce the transport
cost and time of
agricultural machinery
transport.

c) Sustainability of intervention

23
The participatory approach of the project will ensure the ownership of the project by
the community, which is expected to ensure the sustainability. The project proposes a
livelihood-based approach to adaptation, developing asset / capital base of individual
/ community in a participatory model. Four types of capital base will be created i.e.
human capital, natural capital, physical capital and financial capital. The human capital
will be formed through developing adaptive knowledge and skill base of farmers
whereas physical capital will be in shape of water harvesting structures, micro irrigation
facilities, integrated farming model, home gardens etc. The natural capital will be the
scientific basis for drawing up the Village Council wise plan. This will positively impact
on the financial capital of the farmer households. All these will lead to improvement in
the adaptive capacity, both at household and community level. Combined impact of
these components will ensure sustainability of the outcome in the long run.

Environment Sustainability

The project proposes the transfer of sustainable technologies and also the promotion
of indigenous varieties of seeds/breeds so that environmental sustainability can be
ensured. The improved designs of water harvesting structures, plantation on
permanent fallows, will help in soil and water conservation and groundwater recharge
sustainably. The increased organic waste in the soil will help to regain the soil health
and thereby sustainably increase productivity.

Economic Sustainability

The land and water use master plans prepared on the basis of GIS mapping will give
the community a proper scientific basis for planning future interventions. It will also
save the community from making wrong investments. Economic gains from effectively
planned interventions will give impetus to the community to continue the same
activities in future. The crop-weather advisories will help to stabilise the production.
The soil and water conservation measures will help to improve the quality of the soil
and its moisture retention capacity which will help in making the unutilised lands
productive. It will also unleash the scope of alternative income. Introduction of
sustainable agriculture practices and integrated farming system will help to reduce the
cost of agriculture and increase the total farm production. The extension of growing
season will increase the employment opportunity and thereby the income of
marginalised farming families. Both seed-grains and fodder banks created as disaster
coping mechanism may also be used as community income generation activities. The
introduction of appropriate technologies will save the cost for fuel, wastes can be
recycled in the farm as organic input and will reduce the cost of manures purchased
from the market. The livestock and fisheries will act as resources for generating
supplementary income on a sustainable basis.

Social and Institutional Sustainability

24
 Strengthened community based organisations will help in forming linkages with
financial institutions, Panchayat and other stakeholders for accessing different
schemes and services. The increased awareness among the community will help to
choose the better adaptive options for their livelihood. Further ensuring that the
capacity building is inclusive for men and women equally will lead to equal distribution
of benefits from the project. These factors will impart social and institutional
sustainability to the target communities and groups.

d) Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of the proposed project and weighting

of the project activities:

Activity Proposed Alternatives Benefits

I-a,b,c Without this project, the business as usual
(BAU) scenario continues in farming with
uncertainties associated with information
generation and dissemination at farmer’s
level leading to haphazard decision making
on farming. BAU scenario will be lack of
capacities of the farmers is poor
dissemination of information on innovations
and technologies among farmers due to
poor infrastructure for undertaking effective
farm extension activities. This situation will
lead to lack of early warning and continued
reduction in production and productivity in
the wake of climate variability, leading to
heavy economic loss to the farmers.
II-a,b Under the BAU scenario, reducing cycle of
slash and burn with increasing climate
variabilities will expose more and more land
area to high intensity rainfall and cyclonic
rains leading to high levels of soil erosion
and increasing area under land
degradation. Cultivation in slopes also
continues, leading to soil erosion and loss
or top-soil and soil fertility. Here the benefits
associated with terracing and on-farm
development planned under the project will
outweigh the investment cost and will
 Project proposes to install AWS
on a cluster basis and provide
real time data to TSP for analysis,
interpretation and dissemination
back to the farming community.
 Timely advice related to
agriculture and other natural
resource dependent livelihood
will reduce chances of greater
cash loss due to adverse weather
and disaster.
 Special attention to livestock and
fishery sectors including
aquaculture will also be provided.
In particular, the documentation
of adaptive traits in indigenous
breeds, in the wake of climate
change is the most useful step.
Thus, cost associated with
production loss, this investment
will benefit the farmers in the long
run.
 Farmers get higher production
and productivity and cropping
intensity is raised to 130%.
 Encouraging improved
agronomic practices for higher
farm productivity, improved soil
treatment, increased water
holding capacity, judicious use of
chemicals/ energy and enhanced
soil carbon storage. This
conserves soil moisture and
fertility and facilitates modern
25
 substantially reduce the loss that the farmer cropping operations
as well as the land will incur.  The structure helps to reduce
run-off or its velocity and to
minimize soil erosion.
III-a,b Under BAU scenario, there will be reduced  To optimize utilization of water
water availability for critical irrigation during resources through efficient
the critical growth stage of the crops. High water management to expand
runoff rates during monsoon will reduce the coverage for achieving ‘more
water storage as well as percolation rates crop per drop’;
and resultant reduction in the soil fertility,  Drip irrigation will reduce the
leading to overall reduction in crop cost of production as labor for
productivity from the project areas. BAU weed control and reduce water
might lead to a situation of brining water by consumption.
irrigation channels or by pipes leading to  Higher water table positively
flood irrigation which will be much more impacting water quality and
costly than the investments under rain decreasing soil pollution.
water harvesting, restoration and
renovation of existing water harvesting
structures. Farm ponds are very effective
for water conservation and providing life-
saving irrigation (2 to 3 irrigation), tackle the
problem of water availability in climate
change scenario. The same would also
help in reducing the top soil loss from the
farmers’ field and same can be reapplied in
the field. In-situ water conservation
measure is effective as compared to ground
water harvesting structures (wells and bore-
wells) and lined tanks. Farm pond
construction is mainly manual one and very
cost effective.
IV- Under BAU scenario, there will be  Project proposes to
a,b,c,d,e increased use of external inputs (chemical demonstrate climate resilient
fertilizers and pesticides) with very high technologies like micro-
dependence on natural resources (soil and irrigation, soil fertility
water) and it’s over exploitation. Jhumming improvement, tolerant varieties,
for rice cultivation will continue unabated, seed bank, nutritional security,
degrading the land due to massive livelihood diversification etc., as
landslidesand erosion leaving the land models.
barren and unfertile, hence increasing the
area under land degradation. BAU scenario  To make agriculture more
will also see steady decline in the productive, sustainable,
production and productivity of major crops remunerative and climate
like Rice and Maize. Crop intensification for resilient by promoting location
Paddy under SRI and DSR will lead to 30% specific Integrated/ Composite
increase in yield offsetting the input cost as Farming Systems
26
 well as labor requirement per hectare.
Improved cultivation packages as well as  Farmers get higher production
FFS will make the agri-extension system and productivity
efficient thus, improving the standards of
agriculture extension in the state.
Therefore, environmental as well as social
returns are much higher than the short term
economic returns.
V-a Under the BAU scenario famers will face  To make available various farm
heavy loss during planting, agronomic machinery / equipment to small
practices, harvest and post-harvest and marginal farmers for timely
operations due to climate variabilities like agronomic practices and
shift in the onset of the monsoon, rainfall harvest and post-harvest
variability, hail storms etc. Farmers will not operations. This will reduce in a
be able to do timely completion of cooperative manner, production
agricultural operations under BAU scenario and productivity loss associated
and individual farmer will not be in a position with climate variabilities like
to afford adoption of farm mechanisation to shift in the onset of monsoon,
save the crops. Thus, comparing to the untimely rainfall, hail storms etc.
economic loss associated with crop loss  To provide hiring services for
and damages, the investments under the various agricultural machinery/
custom hiring centres benefit groups of implements applied for different
farmers is justified. Also this could generate operations.
income for the farmers groups in the long  To expand mechanized
run by increasing the machinery and activities during cropping
develop a revolving fund for maintenance. seasons in large areas
especially in small and marginal
holdings.

e) Weighting of Project Activities

Type of Activities List of Activities Funding

Requirement
in crores
Capacity Building Climate Change Modeling and 71,50,000
Activities Networking with Awareness and
Capacity building
Investment Activities Finalizing household level adaptation 10,00,000
interventions
Soil Conservation for improvement of 3,38,00,000
soil and water regime in the hill area
Water Harvesting and Management 2,75,00,000
Enhancement of Crop Production & 2,77,00,000
Productivity
Farm Mechanization 28,50,000
Man power 16,20,000
27
 Project Management M&E cost 17,30,000
Activities Administrative cost of Agri deptt 10,00,000
Overheads & administrative costs of 20,00,000
E&F deptt
Management fee of NABARD (3% of 31,90,500
Project cost)
Total 10,95,40,500

f) Alignment with the National and State Action Plans and other Policies /
Programmes :

The project is closely linked to National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture

(NMSA) and National Water Mission under NAPCC Mission. The key activities
of soil, water conservation and management are well in line with the adaptation
strategies suggested in the Mizoram SAPCC for the agriculture sector.Mizoram
SAPCC also has kept high priority for development of new crop varieties
including hybrid to increase the tolerance and suitability of plants to
temperature, moisture and other relevant climatic conditions. Demand side
management is also important component for conservation efficient use of
inputs for the benefit of agriculture both for adaptation as well as mitigation.
SAPCC identified activities in the site-specific adjustment in crop management
as a key activity to sustain the production and productivity of Mizo agriculture
in the wake of climate variability and change. The SAPCC also highlights “Jhum
optimisation” through catchment area protection, soil conservation and
management, which is well envisaged within this project. In addition, state also
has envisaged high importance in the plan for regional climate modeling to
identify future “tilting points” of rice production in a big way. Most of the activities
identified havepotential for linkages with other centrally as well as state
sponsored schemes of relevance for the state like RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana
(RKVY), NMSA activities, Water shed development programme for shifting
cultivation regions, programme on SRIetc.

g) Component wise technical standards:

Activity Applicable Standard Application to project

I-a,b,c Applicable standards prescribed by Recommendations of
NMSA guidelines, Government of India Ministry of Agriculture will
be adopted as per NMSA
guidelines
II-a,b Applicable standards prescribed by the Recommendations of
State Flagship Programme‘New Land NLUP guidelines,
usePolicy (NLUP)’ guidelines, Government of Mizoram.
Government of Mizoram. Cost norms for Cost norms for various
various treatment measures will be as per treatment measures will
Standard Schedule of Rates (SSR) for be as per the SSR
rural water supply and sanitation
28
III-a,b Applicable standards prescribed by Recommendations of
NMSA guidelines, Government of India Ministry of Agriculture
Department will be
adopted as per NMSA
guidelines
IV-a,b,c,d,e Applicable standards prescribed by Applicable standards
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) prescribed by NFSM
guidelines, Government of India guidelines, Government
of India
V-a Applicable standards prescribed by Applicable standards
NFSM guidelines, Government of India prescribed by NFSM
guidelines, Government
of India

h) Duplication Check
Project Objectives Complementarity Geographical
Coverage/Agency
Rain fed Area To make agriculture Integrated Farming 862 Ha in six districts
Development more productive, System and Value of the state.
( RAD) under sustainable, Addition
NMSA remunerative and
climate resilient by Special attention to
promoting location Horticulture, Livestock and
specific Fishery sectors including
Integrated/Composite dairy that have not
Farming Systems; received enough attention
in climate change
research in the past. In
particular, the
documentation of adaptive
traits in indigenous breeds
is the most useful step.

29
 i) Details on Stake-holder consultation:

Sl Particulars Date Place Stakeholders

No participated
1 Consultation with various 20.10.2011 Aijal Club, Dept. of
stakeholders in Aizawl City Centre, Agriculture,Horticulture,
(Proposal was Aizawl, Environment &Forest ,
suggested under Mizoram Sericulture, AH &
Agriculture chapter Veterinary Fishery, Block
during the consultation Administrative Office,
when Mizoram SAPCC Representatives from
was being prepared) different banks, NABARD
officials, Scientists etc.
And individual farmer,
group & cluster
representatives and other
representativesfrom
NGOs(Minutes of the
consultation is
atAnnexure II)
2 Consultation with 23.09.2015 Directorate Dept. of Agriculture, Dept.
stakeholders for the of of Environment & Forest,
project “Sustainable Agriculture, Representatives of various
Agriculture Development Aizawl Community based NGO’s
through Expansion, Mizoram representing Women,
Enhancement and Young adults, elders,
Modelling”. churches etc, Village
The meeting apprised council members from the
the people about the districts.
various issues on climate
change and its impacts
especially in the
agriculture sector.
Participants deliberated
and identified the various
measures which can be
taken up under climate
change adaptation in the
villages in Mizoram. The
identified measures were
agreed to be
incorporated as far as
possible within the
project.

30
 j) Learning and knowledge management component to capture and
disseminate lessons learned for the proposed project.

The project will have a strong knowledge management system which would enable
documentation and large scale dissemination of knowledge and lessons learned
from the project to different stakeholders, including policy makers and planners.
Based on the project learning, operational manual, policy briefs, audio visual
materials, etc. will be developed for knowledge dissemination. Project will organize
seminars, interactive workshops, exposure visits, etc. for cross learning and
dissemination of information. The operational manual will be developed both in
English and local language with illustrations so that it can be used as training
instrument to train different stakeholders. Policy brief prepared as part of the
knowledge management system will help policy makers to be sensitive to climate
change adaptation in rainfed areas on watershed basis and help in mainstreaming
such adaptation initiatives in natural resource management projects/programmes.
This output will extend over the life time of the project and will highlight the impact
of climate change on natural resources and agricultural development.

k) Sustainability of the project outcomes has been taken into account when
designing the project.

Expected Expected Sustainability Responsible

outcomes concrete mechanism parties
outputs
Improved Farmers Environmental Sustainability: DoA (Crop
climate willing to Environment of the state will Husbandry and
resilient adopt gain from this intervention due to Research &
farming climate several environmental Education) and
system and resilient protection measures for DoE&F-
increased technologies developing resilience and Government of
livelihood adaptation to climate variability. Mizoram
security Soil health will improve through
application of organic manure,
which is a key input for
maintaining plant nutrient.
Carbon sequestration through
agro-forestry models will have
positive impact and sustainable
source of eco-system service for
the community. Water
harvesting structures,
percolation tanks, sunken ponds
etc. will help not only to arrest
run off and minimize water loss,
but also will maintain the soil
moisture regime and hence

31
 reducing plant morbidity and
mortality. Climate forecast data
obtained by setting up AWS and
crop advisory based on the
weather data, will be integrated
in the design parameters so that
the watershed remains resilient
in aggravated climate scenario.
Social & Institutional -do-
Sustainability: Project aims at
building the institutional /
organisational capacity to adapt
to the climate change situation
and ensures their involvement in
different stages of
implementation. Apart from this,
there will be resource generation
and management strategies that
will help the institutions to grow
in the longer run and sustain the
process.
Economic and Financial -do-
Sustainability: To make
agriculture more productive,
sustainable, remunerative and
climate resilient. Farmers get
higher production and cropping
intensity. Encouraging improved
agronomic practices for higher
farm productivity, improved soil
treatment, increased water
holding capacity, enhanced soil
carbon storage etc.

l) Provide an overview of the environmental and social impacts and risks

identified as being relevant to the project.

Checklist of Adherence of the Project to Potential impacts

environmental and Environmental and Social and
social principles Principles risks – further
assessment and
management
required
for compliance

32
Compliance with the The project complies with None
Law Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
and Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
Further the project complies with
state specificLocal governance; and
other administrative orders of
Sub national Government.
Access and Equity  Project provides fair and None
equitable access to the project
beneficiaries and will not be
impeding access to any of the
other requirements like health
clean water, sanitation, energy,
education, housing, safe and
decent working conditions and
land rights.
 Proportion of benefits that will
flow to each category of
landholder will be determined in
consultation with the State Level
Committee
Marginalized and  Technical assessment and None
Vulnerable Groups Baseline and Project Benefit
Assessment include
identification of impact on
marginalized groups.
 Project activities are so
designed that marginal and
landless would also derive
benefits from the proposed
projects.
Human Rights The project does not foresee any None
violation of human rights
Gender Equity and  Project would ensure None
Women’s participation by women fully and
Empowerment equitably, receive comparable
socio-economic benefits.
 The beneficiary related
activities, e.g. training, exposure
visits, will include women so as
to enable them to develop their
capacities and strengthen their
skill base.
 Village Level Committees
(VLCs) will be formed which will
have representation of women
33
 so that they also participate in
the project related decision-
making process
Core Labour Rights Payments to labor under the project None
will be made as per Government
approved norms duly following
minimum wage rate and hence
ensuring core labor rights.
Involuntary The project does not displace any None
Resettlement community and hence issue of
resettlement does not arise
Protection of Natural Project does not affect any of the None
Habitats natural habitats.
Conservation of Project would not cause any impact None
Biological Diversity on bio-diversity values.
Climate Change Project aims at enhancing the None
adaptive capacity of the rain-fed
farming systems and livelihoods
against adverse impact of climate
change. Project additionally has a
co-benefit on reducing the GHG
produced through installing rain
water harvesting structure,
environmental friendly agricultural
practices, which will contribute in
mitigating the challenges of climate
change.
Pollution Prevention Project is not expected to create any None
andResource environmentalpollution and aims for
Efficiency higher resources efficiency for
better management of available
natural resources like water, soil,
plantation species (locally
available), etc.
Public Health No adverse impact on public health None
related issues isenvisaged.
Physical and Cultural No adverse impact on cultural None
Heritage heritage related issues are
identified.
Lands and Soil Land treatment is envisaged to help None
Conservation in land and soil conservation and will
not create any damage to land & soil
resources

34
3.0 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENT

a) Describe the arrangements for project / programme implementation.

i. Who will implement the project and what are their comparative Advantages
and capacity compared to other potential implementing institutions?

Project would be implemented on the ground by the Department of Agriculture

(DoA), Govt. of Mizoram and coordinated by the Nodal department for Climate Change
in the State i.e Department of Environment & Forest (DoE&F). The Nodal department
would act as link between DoA and the MoEF&CC, Govt of India for disbursement of
funds, Monitoring & Evaluation and submission of progress reports & any other
communication.

The State Steering Committee on Climate Change (SCCC) headed by the Chief
Secretary, Mizoram formulated during the preparation of SAPCC, would be
responsible for regular supervision and monitoring of the project. DoE&F would act as
liaison between the SCCC and DoA. SCCC will review the progress of the project
through regular meetings conducted half yearly and would give its suggestions and
directions, if necessary. Chief Secretary and other senior officials, being the member
of the committee, will ensure cooperation from other departments whenever necessary
and ensure adequate priority given to the implementation of the project by DoA and
DoE&F.

This arrangement takes into account the relative strengths of the institutions
involved and leverages those for effective implementation of the project. An agriculture
based project is best implemented by the Agriculture department on the ground.

Since this is a Climate Change Adaptation project it is necessary that the

coordinating and M&E role be played by the Nodal department for Climate Change
(DoE&F), which can also provide its expertise from time to time and as required for
steering of the project.

Main beneficiary of the project activities are farming community. Therefore,

Village councils will also play a vital role under this project for the economicbetterment
of people as well as greatersocial transformation. Village councils will be involved in
the selection of beneficiaries for the project. The beneficiaries would be selected by
involving the communities through PRA techniques to identify the most vulnerable
households. The concurrence of the village councils on the list of identified beneficiary
households would be mandatory before being submitted by the district officers to the
head of the executing entity. It will also be ensured that women will also participate
during the stakeholder consultationsfor planning the project activities.

35
 Fig: Implementation Plan

b) Describe the measures for financial and project / programme risk management
(also include environmental and social risk, if any).
Risk Level Mitigation Measures
(High/M
edium/
Low)
Lack of adequate human capital and Low Sensitization and capacity building at various levels of
skills at implementation level implementation
Adequacy of funding support to the Low Expected funding from NAFCC would meet the requirement.
suggested additional measures
Unforeseen events that affect the Medium Risk mapping within the project boundaries using the various
crops like extreme weather that could climate scenarios to cover all contingencies.
not be forecasted.
Lack of coordination and consultation Low Information and Knowledge management and periodic
among the project partners stakeholder interactions and feedback mechanism will
ensure synchronization of views of key partners.
Implementation delays Low Intensive monitoring mechanism and mid-term evaluation
missions are proposed to prevent any unnecessary delay

36
c) Describe the monitoring and evaluation arrangements and provide a budgeted M&E
plan. (Monitoring and evaluation cost need to be included in executing entity
management cost).

The progress of activities will be monitored by the team members responsible for
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) at DoE&F based on the agreed upon outputs,
indicators and timelines. DoAwill submit a report to the M&E expert at DoE&F as per
following schedule. M&E expert of DoE&Fwill prepare templates for reporting,
compile the reports for different project components and submits the comprehensive
report to SCCC and eventually to the MoEFCC. In case of any conflict or delay in
the conducting the project activities, DoE&F will provide suggestions to DoA.

Monitoring Responsible Cost (Cost in lakh) Time

and Person Frame
Evaluation
Plan Activity
Year Year- Year- Total
–I II III

Project DoA in 2.00 2.00 3 months

Inception collaboration with
Workshop DoE&F
Half-yearly DoE&F .50 .50 .50 1.5 Oct every
report year
Annual report DoE&F 2.00 2.00 2.00 6.00 End of
year
Project review DoA 0.40 0.40 0.40 1.20 Quarterly
& monitoring
SCCC, Mizoram 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.60 Half
Meeting
Yearly
End term External Evaluator -- -- 6.00 6.00 End of
evaluation Project
Cycle
Total 17.30

Impact evaluation report based on the indicators developed on the gender

differentiated outcomes of the adaptation measures will be published and shared with
the policy decision makers. This will also be widely disseminated among science,
policy and civil society audiences.

d) Include a results framework for the project proposal, including milestones, targets
and indicators with gender disaggregated data.

Result Framework document is at Annexure-I

e) Include a detailed budget with budget notes, a budget on the Implementing Entity
management fee use and an explanation and a breakdown of the execution costs.
Financial requirement and other details of the project are as follows:
37
 Activity wise budget

Sino. Unit cost Institution

Units Total (INR) Note
ACTIVITY/MONTHS (INR) responsible
1. Finalizing household
level adaptation
interventions:
Baseline
Households Survey,
Finalization and Detailed Detailed
Detailed below
communication of below below 10,00,000
adaptation
interventions for
each target
community and
household DoA
1.1 Farm Households
Baseline Households
150 nos. 5000 7,50,000 in 150 villages will
Survey in Villages
be surveyed
1.2 Assessing
Vulnerability
vulnerability using
analysis will be
survey data, climate
1 no. 2,00,000 2,00,000 done for selected
change scenarios and
districts using all
identifying/ prioritizing
the data
adaptation
1.3 Lump sum
figure
Travel and Survey Travel and other
based on 50,000
cost overhead costs
number of
field trips
2. Climate Change
Modelling and
Detailed Detailed
Networking, Training 71,50,000 Detailed below
below below
& Capacity building, DoA and
Awareness DoE&F
2.1 Developing and
4 AWS would be set
implementing the
up and networks
Information System for
4 nos. 9,66,000 38,64,000 would be developed
‘seasonal climate
for timely
forecast’ and ‘weather
information
based agro advisories’
2.2 Piloting the adaptation Adaptation
interventions based on interventions would
climate change 4 nos. 3,71,500 14,86,000 be prioritized based
vulnerability and on household
household survey survey
2.3 Enhancing capacities
Capacity would be
of stakeholders for 40 nos. 15,000 6,00,000
enhanced through
developing and
38
Sino. Unit cost Institution
Units Total (INR) Note
ACTIVITY/MONTHS (INR) responsible
implementing climate 10 workshops/
change adaptation district
strategies
Workshops- 1st Year,
mid-term and final with 3 workshops
3 nos. 4,00,000 12,00,000
2.4 partners and experts (Inception, mid-
to review the project term and final)
outcomes
Soil Conservation for
improvement of soil
Detailed Detailed
3.0 and water regime in 3,38,00,000 Detailed below
below below
the hill area
DoA
Hill Slope Terrace
Construction of Hill would be
Slope Terrace for soil 100 Rs. 1.38 constructed
3.1 1,38,00,000
and moisture in hectare lakh/hectare covering area of
cultivation of crops 100 hectare @ Rs.
1.38 lakh/hectare
Farm development
On farm development:
Rs. activities would be
Land levelling, 5000
3.2 4000/hectar done at an area of
bundling, reshaping hectare
e 5000 hectare @ Rs.
etc.
2,00,00,000 4000/hectare
Water Harvesting Detailed Detailed
4.0 Detailed below
and Management below below 2,75,00,000 DoA
Rain Water
Harvesting
Rain water harvesting Tank/Ponds
4.1 170 nos. 10000
tank/pond (15X15X1.5mtr)
with a capacity of
1,70,00,000 3.3 lakhs ltr
Restoration and
Restoration and Renovation of
4.2 700 nos. 15000
renovation of tank Tanks @
1,05,00,000 Rs.15,000/No
Enhancement of
Crop Production &
Productivity :
Mainstreaming
innovative
Detailed Detailed
5.0 agricultural best Detailed below
below below
practices related to
climate change
adaptation in
strategies/ policies/
projects 2,77,00,000 DOA

39
Sino. Unit cost Institution
Units Total (INR) Note
ACTIVITY/MONTHS (INR) responsible
System of Rice System of Rice
500
5.1 Intensification 7500 37,50,000 Intensification @
hectare
Rs.7500/ per ha
5.2 Directed seeded rice Directed seeded
500
cultivation 7500 37,50,000 rice cultivation @
hectare
Rs.7500/ per ha
5.3 Improved cultivation Improved
on hill slope 3000 cultivation on hill
4000 1,20,00,000
hectare slope @ Rs 4000/-
per ha
5.4 Farmers’ Field School Farmers’ Field
400hectar
14000 56,00,000 School@
e
Rs.14,000/-
5.5 Adoption of Integrated
Pest Management for Integrated Pest
improving crop yields. Management
2600
Preparedness to 1000 26,00,000 practices would be
hectare
tackle pests and adopted at cost of
disease outbreak and Rs. 1000/hectare
capacity building
6.0 Farm Mechanization Detailed Detailed
Detailed below
below below 28,50,000 DOA
6.1 Custom Hiring Centre Custom Hiring
3 nos. 9,50,000 28,50,000 Centre @ Rs.9.50
lakh/station
7.0 TOTAL components
-- -- 10,00,00,000
cost
8.0 Project management
cost of executing -- -- 63,50,000
entity DoA&DoE&F
8.1 Monitoring &
-- -- 17,30,000
Evaluation DoE&F
8.2 Administrative costs of
-- -- 10,00,000 1% of 7.0
Agriculture Deptt DoA
8.3 Overheads &
Administrative costs of
-- -- 20,00,000 2% of 7.0
Nodal Deptt
DoE&F
8.4 Man power
3 Project Assistants
15000/mont
3 nos. 16,20,000 @ Rs. 15,000 per
h
person per month
DoA&DoE&F
9.0 Total Project cost -- -- 10,63,50,000
10.0 Management fee of 3 % of the total
-- -- 31,90,500
NABARD project cost (9.0) NABARD

40
Sino. Unit cost Institution
Units Total (INR) Note
ACTIVITY/MONTHS (INR) responsible
GRAND TOTAL 10,95,40,500

f) Include a disbursement schedule with time-bound milestones at the component level

S. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
No. ACTIVITY
3 6 9 12 3 6 9 12 3 6 9 12

1. Finalizing household level adaptation interventions:

Baseline Households Survey, finalization and
communication of adaptation interventions for each
target community and household
2. Climate Change Modelling and Networking, Training &
Capacity building, Awareness
3. Soil Conservation for improvement of soil and water
regime in the hill area
4 Water Harvesting and Management
5
Enhancement of Crop Production & Productivity
6
Farm Mechanization

Fund release:

i. 50% of the approved projects may be released as 1st Instalment and Release
of second and final Instalment will depends upon the fulfilment of the following
condition
ii. 100% Utilization of funds of the first instalment released and submission of
Utilization Certificate.
iii. Expenditure of 60% funds released in first instalment during the current year.
iv. Submission of performance report in terms of physical and financial
achievements as well as outcomes on quarterly basis.

41
Annexure –I

Result Framework

Output/Outcome Indicator Baseline Target Source of Risk and Assumption

Verification
Component 1: Finalizing household level adaptation interventions
Outcome 1: Climate Change adaptation M/o Agriculture is 4 villages will have list of Surveys and Assumption: Farmers
Finalization of activities are successfully implementing climate activities prioritized for interviews cooperate during the
adaptation strategies shortlisted for change adaptation implementation Progress report survey and willing to
suitable to the target implementation activities under NMSA implement activities in
locations and farm based on area’s their farms
household typologies vulnerability
Component-2: Climate Change Modeling Networking and Capacity building and Awareness
Outcome 2: Reduced 10,000 Farmers benefitted Crop weather 10,000 nos. of farmers Progress report Assumption: Advisories
climate change from crop weather advisories not available covered with crop- Surveys and are disseminated on
vulnerability with advisories weather advisories interviews time
improved risk
mitigation measures Risk: Generation of
weather data on real
time basis
Output 2.1:  Installation of AWS 4 Crop weather 4 no. of AWS installed Progress report Assumption:AWS are
Installation of AWS numbers in four districts advisories on real time Surveys and installed, maintained,
and generation of (1 AWS per district) basis not available 10,000 nos. of farmers interviews data generated and
agro-advisories  Farmers covered with covered with crop- disseminated after
crop weather advisories weather advisories proper analysis by
involving experts

42
Outcome 2.3: Number of No awareness 40 Progress report Assumption: Resource
Community and other sensitization/awareness sensitization Sensitationprogrammes/ Reports/ Documents persons available locally
stakeholders camps/capacity building programmes conducted training/exposure visits /Photos
benefitted from programmes/exposure conducted for creating Risk: Inadequate
training/capacity visits better awareness participation of farmers
building/exposure among stakeholders
programmes
Component-3: Soil Conservation for improvement of soil and water regime in the hill area
Outcome 3:Soil Area covered with various High degree of soil At least 30% farmers Progress Report Assumption:Department
regime improved on soil and water conservation erosion and poor living in the project takes active interest in
account of soil & water measures interception of run-off villages directly project execution
conservation water benefited from soil and
measures water conservation Risk: Availability of the
measures labor during the working
season due to
competition
Output 3.1: Soil Area covered under Soil conservation Terrace= 100 Ha Progress Report Assumption:Department
erosion reduced and field/stone/contour bunds measures at a small takes active interest in
in-situ moisture scale being In Situ moisture project execution
conservation implemented conservation =5000 ha
improved through
construction of
field/stone/contour
bund
Component-4: Water Harvesting and Management

43
Outcome-4: Water Livelihood vulnerability of Farmers are At least 60% farmers  Measurement Assumption: VWC takes
availability increase farmers reduced through vulnerable due to poor living in the project Book active interest in project
and crop productivity increased water availability water regime and crop villages directly  Micro plans execution
enhanced productivity. benefited from reduced prepared by the Risk:Non- availability of
vulnerability to climate VWCs the labor during the
change related impacts  Progress Report working
Output 4.1: Increased Number/quantity of farm Less number of water 170 nos. of farm ponds Progress report Assumption: Farm pond
water availability ponds/sunken pond harvesting structures and other WHS are
through farm pond, constructed and poor water constructed as per
sunken pond and well availability approved design
recharge pit
Component-5: Enhancement of Crop Production & Productivity: Mainstreaming innovative agricultural best practices related to climate change
adaptation in strategies/policies/projects like SRI, Improved Jhum, Direct Seeded Rice cultivation
Outcome-5: Number of farmers adapted Farmers are not At least 50% farmers Progress report Assumption: Farmers
Improved climate climate resilient farming following climate adopt climate resilient Surveys and willing to adopt climate
resilient farming system resilient farming farming system interviews resilient technologies
system and increased systems
livelihood security Risk: Lack of capacity
and resources for
adoption
Output 5.1: Improved Introduction of new crop Introduction of new crop 20% increase in crop Progress report Assumption: Farmers
resilience through varieties varieties is not productivity willing to adopt climate
adoption of climate practised. resilient technologies

44
resilient farming/ Risk: Lack of capacity
livelihood systems and resources for
adoption
Introduction of new Old cultivation methods Farmers are practicing Progress report Assumption: Farmers
cultivation methods new cultivation method willing to adopt climate
resilient technologies
Risk: Lack of capacity
and resources for
adoption
Trainings and skill No training and skill 10,000 farmers would be Progress report Assumption: Farmers
development development trained willing to adopt climate
resilient technologies
Risk: Lack of capacity
and resources for
adoption
Component – 6: Farm Mechanization (Custom Hiring Centers-CHCs)
Outcome 6: To make CHCs are unit comprising a Agriculture is 3 CHCs in 3 districts of  Progress report Assumption:Though
available various farm set of farm machinery, undergoing a gradual Mizoram  Study institutions like Primary
machinery / implement and equipment shift from dependence report/water Agricultural Credit
equipment to small meant for custom hiring by on human power and budget plan Societies, Multipurpose
and marginal farmers farmers. Though certain animal power to Societies, Marketing
implement and equipment mechanical power Societies etc., and line
Output 6.1: To are crop specific, the because increasing departments have
expand mechanized traction units like tractors, cost for upkeep of machinery for custom
activities during power tillers etc., and self- animal and growing hiring, a vast area still
cropping seasons in propelled machinery like scarcity of human labor. remains uncovered.
large areas especially Informal hiring systems

45
in small and marginal combine harvesters etc., are also prevalent in
holdings are used in common. rural areas. However,
timely availability is not
assured. Therefore
there is a need to
encourage individuals
like progressive
farmers, rural
unemployed youth, agri
graduates etc., and also
village level institutions
like Water Users
Association, Watershed
Committee, SHG
Federations etc., to set
up CHCs.

46
 Annexure II
MINUTES OF STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PROGRAMME ON MIZORAM
CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
Date : 20th October, 2011; Venue : Aijal Club, City Centre, Aizawl, Mizoram, Members
Present : 43 Nos.

The meeting started at 10:00 a.m. with a warm welcome address given by
Dr.Vanlalzara, Principal Scientific Officer, Directorate of Science & Technology,
Mizoram. He then presented a brief overview of the workshop through power point
presentation whereby he mentioned that in line with the National Plan on Climate
Change released on June 30, 2008, the Mizoram Council of Climate Change was
constituted on 17th June 2010 under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
and that the Executive Council was also created under the chairmanship of the Chief
Secretary. He apprised the members that the initiative for preparation of State Action
Plan on Climate Change in Mizoram is executed by the Department of Science &
Technology with financial support from MoEF-GIZ partnership programme and that
CTRAN Consulting, based in Bhubhaneshwar, Orissa is the knowledge partner.

The inaugural address was given by Shri Lalkhama, IAS (Rtd.) and Vice Chairman,
State Planning Board. In his speech, he mentioned that the modern day scientists and
intellectuals should be more concerned about the influence on climate by humans, and
the manner how the land and its resources are used or misused. Under the New Land
Use Policy adopted by the State Government, it is intended to keep a large percentage
of the state land area under rain forests, and progressively reduce areas under jhum
cultivation which is now around 2 lakhs acres annually. He anticipated that the
consultation workshop will help in adopting suitable action plan to preserve the natural
rhythm of life in the natural environment of cycles of oxygen and other chemical
elements in this mysterious universe.

After this, Dr.Vanlalzara extended his appreciation and gratitude to the members
attending the workshop who spare their valuable time to share their views and
experiences for the success of the workshop. The technical session of the workshop
was divided into three main subjects viz.

Technical Session-1 : Agriculture & Allied, Forestry; Technical

Session-2 : Energy, Health;

Technical Session-3 : Strategic Knowledge Mission, Water, Urban.

The Coordinators for each Technical Sessions were:

Technical Session-1 : Mr. T.V. Fambawl, Secretary, Agriculture Department

Technical Session-2 :Er. Dunglena, Engineer-in-Chief (Rtd.)

Technical Session-3 :Er. Valbuanga, Project Director, SIPMIU

47
The views and feedback shared by the members in the various technical sessions/
subjects are as below:
1) Sector-Sustainable Agriculture :-
i) No data on allocation of human work force in different agriculture & allied activities
based on their demand and availability of workforce and also willingness. (Mr.
Arulrajan (IFS), E&F Department)

ii) Type and systems of agriculture practices and their compatibility with each other
activities. (Mr. Arulrajan, IFS, E&F Department)

iii) Inclusion of more research works in development of traditional indigenous rice

varieties e.g. Phulbuh which have been found to acclimatized climate change by
retaining beneficial genes and enhancing the yield, if possible. Promotion of fodder for
animals through agro-forestry models is also suggested. (Mr. Lalduhthlana, ACF, E&F
Department)

iv) Rice genotype (local species) should be propagated and utilized for effective
cultivation. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

v) Concentrate on paddy and orange only (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

vi) Social history claims that after 20 years of NLUP and MIP, people find it difficult to
abandon jhum. So, instead of the current 1-2 years cycle, 7-10 years cycle system
may be introduced with modified traditional system. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. of
Zoology, PUC).

vii) No more exotic species. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

viii) Shifting cultivation/jhuming is the most primitive method of agriculture and

therefore should be replaced by sett led agriculture in any forms. While selecting the
agriculture/utmost care should be taken: it should be in conformity with agro-climatic
conditions, soil and geomorphic characteristics of the area/agricultural land. (Dr. P.
Rinawma, Geography & natural Resources Management, Mizoram University) (Also
Professor & Dean, School of earth Sciences and Natural resources Management).

ix) Shifting cultivation should not be stopped completely. It has an important place in
the culture and way of life of the rural people. (Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo,
Environmental Science Department, Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram
Post Graduate Science Society)

x) Research on the alternative plans should be done before implementation in place

of jhum cultivation. (Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo, Environmental Science Department,
Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram Post Graduate Science Society)

48
xi) Quite sufficient, shifting cultivation system may not be abandoned, so instead if this
system can be improved and scientific input may be incorporated to a cultivated area
as a pilot project. (Dr.Lalnundanga, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University).

xii) The proposed strategies of agriculture and allied Departments for Climate Change
mitigation and adaptati on need more specific strategies. I feel that area-wise specific
technologies/models needs to be identified and adopted for uphill and slope lands
which consists of more than 80% of landscape in Mizoram. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept.
of Forestry, Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram Post Graduate Science
Society)

xiii) If the low-lying areas called plains are well irrigated so as to be able to yield double
cropping in a year, sustainable agriculture may be achieved, so as to lessen the slash
and burn type of cultivation practice elsewhere in the state. (Er. H. Lalsawmliana,
Science & Technology)

xiv) Emphasis may be put on organic farming. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. Of
Botany, Mizoram University)

xv) Control of shifting cultivation by converting the jhum land for permanent cultivation.
Jhum land can be used for fodder cultivation, NWFP cultivation. (Dr. Ramachandra
Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)
xvi) Rainfall predictive models should be developed based on the analysis of past
climate data in order to adopt alternative agricultural practices for the sustainable
development. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management,
Mizoram University).

xvii) Agricultural practices should be concentrated along the fertile river valleys and
valley plains as the terrain is purely sedimentary and can yield good quantities of water
from uplands. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management,
Mizoram University).

2) Sector-Sustainable Forestry :-
i) Inter-Departmental co-ordination is needed. (Mr. Arulrajan (IFS), E&F Department)

ii) Awareness on policy and programme of environmental concern should be given to

all people and department because people (all) are part of ecosystem. (Mr. Arulrajan
(IFS), E&F Department)

iii) De-reservation must be revised. If unavoidable EIA should be done and 1-2 riverine
areas may be identified and serve as experiment for at least 10 years. (Mr.
Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

iv) Education and awareness to the public may be conducted with educational
institutions. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

49
v) The forest policy of Mizoram needs certain amendment in regard to riverine forest,
village safety forest etc. The good land i.e. arable land may be given for agricultural
activities and the unfavourable land may be devoted for forest cover and for
development of recreational centres. (Dr. P. Rinawma, Geography & natural
Resources Management, Mizoram University) (Also Professor & Dean, School of earth
Sciences and Natural resources Management).

vi) Mitigation measures should be more (Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo, Environmental

Science Department, Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram Post Graduate
Science Society)

vii) Agroforestry may be added. (Dr.Lalnundanga, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram

University).

viii) Incentives and support needs to be given for establishment and maintenance of
social forestry. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University).

ix) Bamboo and tree based agro-forestry systems needs to be introduced in degraded
lands. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University).

x) Environment & Forest Department may co-ordinate with agriculture and allied
Departments for introducing agro-forestry system in slope-lands. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia,
Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University) (Member, MIPOGRASS)

xi) Serious steps should be taken in preventing forest fires and allied destruction. No
land in our state is totally or permanently a wasteland, they can be regenerated within
5 years or so. Use of LPG may also be in introduced to preserve the forest. (Er. H.
Lalsawmliana, Science & Technology)

xii) The Government of Mizoram may come up with a kind of legislation to improve
‘Greenery’ by making it compulsory for every citizen of the state to ‘plant & nurture’ a
tree - in line with Kenya Government. (Dr. U.K. Sahoo, Dept. Of Forestry, Mizoram
University).

xiii) Urban Forestry may be promoted & given priority. (Dr. U.K. Sahoo, Dept. Of
Forestry, Mizoram University).

xiv) Need for ‘Trees outside forests’ be kept in mind while making developmental
projects; quantificati on of TOFs may be undertaken. (Dr. U.K. Sahoo, Dept. Of
Forestry, Mizoram University).

xv) Farmers practicing ‘Homegardens’ may be evaluated for ‘carbon credits’ and
incentives may be arranged suitably to promote these indigenous home gardens/
agroforestry. (Dr. U.K. Sahoo, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University).

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xvi) Livelihood improvement activity for forest dependent communities. (Dr.
Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

xvii) Riverine forests (reserve) to be protected as it is rich with bamboo. Bamboos are
good plant for carbon sequestration. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany,
Mizoram University)

xviii) Massive afforestation programmes should be implemented at higher elevations

and steeply sloping areas as it checks/prevents soil erosion and also keeps the water-
table at higher levels. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource
Management, Mizoram University).

xix) Plantation programmes should be implemented within urbanized areas as they act
as carbon sinks. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource
Management, Mizoram University).

3) Sector-Energy:-

i) Non-conventional energy (biomass gasificati on) should be made available to all

remote locations where power grids are not possible. (Mr. Arulrajan (IFS), E&F
Department)

ii) Instead of efficiency, availability should be ensured. (Mr. Arulrajan (IFS), E&F
Department)

iii) Self-reliance is better than feeding from outside. (Mr. Arulrajan (IFS), E&F
Department)

iv) Mention is made that about 20 villages are not yet electrified. This has to be taken
care of to ensure that all those villages are electrified. (Mr. Lalduhthlana, ACF, E&F
Department)

v) The objective to create power plants in all major rivers should be abandoned. Large
projects like Kolodyne may be completed first before small projects. (Mr. Vanramliana,
Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

vi) If all major rivers are converted to HEP it will affect rainfall, agriculture etc. (Mr.
Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

vii) Distribution and installation of efficient CFL bulbs to BPL families. (Mr.
Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

viii) Hydel power plant may be given priority for power generation. In that, so many
small/minor hydel project plant should be minimized, rather one river valley hydel

51
project plant which can meet the energy requirement of the state may be completed
so that environment system as a whole may not be disturb. (Dr. P.
Rinawma, Geography & natural Resources Management, Mizoram University) (Also
Professor & Dean, School of earth Sciences and Natural resources Management).

ix) Hydro power and solar energy generation is a must. Mini hydropower plants at
many places will have an impact on local ecosystem and many life forms that adds to
the rich biodiversity of the state. (Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo, Environmental Science
Department, Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram Post Graduate Science
Society)

x) More developmental approach needed. (Dr.Lalnundanga,, Dept. of Forestry,

Mizoram University).

xi) Energy sector needs to be touched up. There is no write-up on how the proposal
will be affecting the climate change. (Mrs. Lalhmingliani Hmar, EE, P&E Department).

xii) Major stress/thrust towards adopting renewable energy sources like solar energy/
wind energy etc. (Er. N.L. Jaisi, Assistant Engineer-Investigation, PHED)
xiii) There has to be a limitation in setting up/construction of hydro-electricity project in
Mizoram. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University) (Also, Member
Mizoram Post Graduate Science Society) (Member, MIPOGRASS)

xiv) Production and sell of power energy at the cost of forest biodiversity and the
affected communities may not be recommended. (Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept. Of
Forestry, Mizoram University) (Also, Member, Mizoram Post Graduate Science
Society)

xv) Concerned departments should take utmost interest in producing related energy,
whether it is electrical energy, heat energy, so and so forth. Public are still ignorant
and lack awareness of our burning topic. They need to be made aware. (Er. H.
Lalsawmliana, Science & Technology)

xvi) Southern and eastern rivers of the state to be used for harnessing hydro-potential
energy for the entire state. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram
University)

xvii) At village level (rural region) solar energy and biogas energy to be encouraged
and implemented by the Government. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany,
Mizoram University)

xviii) Energy and its management as curriculum to be studied at school and college
level. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

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xix) Solar water heaters should be produced on subsidized rate in order to save
energy. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management,
Mizoram University).

xx) Awareness programmes should be conducted to save energy as energy saved is

energy produced. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource
Management, Mizoram University).

xxi) As Mizoram is rich in coal reserves to some extent minor thermal power generation
stations can be established within the limits of low carbon emissions. (Dr. Ch.
UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University).

xxii) Hydel projects should be developed to meet our immediate needs. (Dr. Ch.
UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University).

4) Sector-Health:-

i) Climate change increases the risk of malaria and to suppress malaria we are relying
on DDT. In developed countries, use of DDT has been banned or restricted due to its
adverse impacts on environment. Can we incorporate in our plan to conduct research
on impacts of DDT applications on natural environment.(Mr. Lalduhthlana, ACF, E&F
Department).

ii) The whole process of malaria control measure must be revised. (Mr. Vanramliana,
Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

iii) Rural health management system should be developed. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept.
Of Zoology, PUC).

iv) Biotechnology Research Centre may be established. (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. Of

Zoology, PUC).

v) Regarding health, it is to be noted that Global warming resulted into various diseases
like skin cancer, skin diseases and even blindness. Climate change can cause many
more and therefore we should take care of all these factors which can add carbon
emissions. (Dr. P. Rinawma, Geography & natural Resources Management, Mizoram
University) (Also Professor & Dean, School of earth Sciences and Natural resources
Management).

vi) Health seems to be irrelevant to be included in the action plan for Climate Change.
If at all it is included certain data(s) needs to be changed as pointed out at the
discussions relating to malaria. (Mrs. Lalhmingliani Hmar, EE, P&E Department).
vii) Study and documentation of diseases caused by water and insect borne vestors at
different regions of the state. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram
University)

53
viii) Poverty, malnutrition due to poverty & extreme climate change. (Dr. Ramachandra
Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

ix) Rapid urbanization has great effect on health rather than climate change which is
mostly due to pollution. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource
Management, Mizoram University).

5) Sector - Sustainable Habitat :-

i) Recycling plant of paper and rubber/plastic should be proposed. (Mr. Vanramliana,
Dept. of Zoology, PUC).

ii) Creation of eco-friendly roads (Plastic waste & tar). (Mr. Vanramliana, Dept. Of
Zoology, PUC).

iii) Promotion of solar water heating system and lighting of buildings should be done
by having a separate ECBC which should match with the socio-economic status of the
state. Inclusion in the building bye-law is not practical seeing the socio-economic
status of the population. (Mrs. Lalhmingliani Hmar, EE, P&E Department).

iv) Planning infrastructure like road, drainage, energy, transportation, vehicular

pollution, check population rise in all the urban areas, rural areas of the state including
the city Aizawl. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

6) Sector – Water :-

i) Water resources availability is very much related to how we use our land resources
as well as forest resources. Water management should be incorporated with proper
planning. (Dr. P. Rinawma, Geography & natural Resources Management, Mizoram
University) (Also Professor & Dean, School of earth Sciences and Natural resources
Management).

ii) As our water resources get more and more depleted then our infrastructure itself will
not be able to provide adequate water to the public. Hence we have to go in for large
water storage projects where conjunctive use of water is possible i.e. power
generation, irrigation needs and water supply needs. (Er. N.L. Jaisi, Assistant
Engineer-Investigation, PHED)

iii) Meteorological and hydrological data useful for management of water resources of
the state. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

iv) Study on the hydrological cycle of different rivers (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. Of
Botany, Mizoram University)

v) Water harvesting system to be developed in urban and rural centres. (Dr.

Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

54
vi) Check dams to be constructed which can be used for domestic, cultivation, fisherry
and allied. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)
vii) Proper measures should be taken to explore ground water in addition to utilization
of rainwater and river water. Rain water harvesting reservoirs should be made at each
locality. (Dr. Ch. UdayaBhaskara Rao, Geography and Resource Management,
Mizoram University).

7) Sector – Strategic Knowledge Mission :-

i) It is highly advisable that a definite goal in terms of CO2 emissions, methane

emissions, be made in terms of figures/numbers. This would serve as a steering force
for the smooth execution of the draft plans. (Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo, Environmental
Science Department, Mizoram University) (Member, MIPOGRASS)

ii) Knowledge mission to be used for all people. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. Of
Botany, Mizoram University)

iii) Inventory of entire profile of GHG of the state to be developed. (Dr. Ramachandra
Laha, Dept. of Botany, Mizoram University)

iv) Technological design to meet the local need. (Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Dept. Of
Botany, Mizoram University)

After a long day of lively discussion coupled with several presentations from different
concerned Departments, the meeting was ended with a brief wrap up from
Dr.Vanlalzara, Principal Scientific Officer, Department of Science & Technology. He
once again expressed his gratitude to all the members present for their kind presence
and contribution, and at the same time invited them for further cooperation in future
towards the success of Climate Change Action Plan in Mizoram.

(Dr. VANLALZARA)
Principal Scientific Officer,
Dept. Of Science & Technology

LIST OF MEMBERS PRESENT ON MIZORAM CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION WORKSHOP AT AIJAL CLUB, CITY CENTRE,
AIZAWL ON 20TH OCT., 2011
1. Arulrajan, IFS, Dept. of Environment & Forest, Govt. of Mizoram
2. Lalduhthlana, ACF (P), Dept. of Dept. of Environment & Forest, Govt. of Mizoram
3. Dr. Ramachandra Laha, Head, Dept. of Botany Mizoram University
4. Dr.UdayaBhaskara Rao, Assistant Professor Dept. of Geography & Resource
Management, MZU

55
5. Dr. P. Rinawma, Dean, School of Earth Sciences & N.R.M., MZU
6. Dr. U.K. Sahoo, Dept. of Forestry Mizoram University
7. Vanramliana, Dept. of Zoology, Pachhunga University College
8. YograjChhetri, Principal Adviser, Planning Department
9. Dr. F. Lalnunmawia, Dept. of Forestry, Mizoram University Member, Mizo Post
Graduate Science Society (MIPOGRASS)
10. Lalhmingliani Hmar, EE, P&E Dept., Govt. of Mizoram
11. N.L. Jaisi, AE (I) PHE., Govt. of Mizoram
12. Dunglena, Consultant, Engineer-in-Chief (Rtd.)
13. LalnunsiamaColney, Exe. Committee Member Mizoram Science Society
14. Dr. R.K. Lallianthanga, Project Director, Mizoram Remote Sensing Application
Centre (MIRSAC)
15. Edward Lalzuithanga, Scientist, MIRSAC
16. Dr.Ramfangzauva, Joint Director Health & Family Welfare Dept. Mizoram
17. K. Lalrammuana, Exe. Committee Member Mizoram Science Society
18. Samuel Lalmalsawma, Exe. Committee Member Mizoram Science Society
19. K. Guite, Chief Engineer Power Department
20. David C. Zahmuaka, Director, ZEDA
21. T. Thangzagin, S.E. P&E, Govt. of Mizoram
22. Dr.Thangzadinga VD (VE) AH&Vety Department
23. Saihlira, Adviser, Planning Department
24. Dr. H. Saithantluanga, Dy. Director (P) Agriculture Department
25. Lalnunmawii, IPRO, Directorate of Information & Public Relation
26. Dr. David Sailo, Dy. Director AH &Vety
27. C. Lalduhawma, Gen. Secretary, Mizoram Science Society
28. Valbuanga, Project Director SIPMIU
29. Lalnundanga, Dept. of Forestry MZU
30. Dr. A.C. Shukla, Associate Professor Horti culture & MAPs Mizoram University
31. Awadhesh Kumar Research Scholar Mizoram University
32. Dr. John ZothanzamaSailo, Asst. Professor, MZU & Member, Mizo Post Graduate
Science Society (MIPOGRASS)
33. T.V. Fambawl, Secretary, Agriculture, Govt. of Mizoram
34. Vanlalremruati, Scientist, MIRSAC
35. Rosy Lalremruati, Scientist, MIRSAC
36. C. Lalzawngliana, Asst. Scientist, MIRSAC
37. F. Lalramchuana, Scientific Officer MIRSAC
38. H. Lalsawmliana, Scientific Officer, Dept. of Science & Technology
39. Lalnuntluangi, Senior H.O.Dept. of Science & Technology
40. LalmuanpuiiSailo, Senior H.O. Dept. of Science & Technology
41. L.H. Lalnunpuia, Scientist MIRSAC
42. F. Lalthenlova, Dept. of Science & Technology
43. Lalrothanga, Director, CCDU PHED.

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